Avalon Coliving (or simply "The Avalon") is one of those places that feels instantly like home. Originally a hotel, it was transformed into a coliving space with the rise of Bansko as a hub for digital nomads, following in the footsteps of Coworking Bansko. Today it’s one of the most beloved coliving projects in town—a cozy, welcoming space that blends comfort with community. For us, it became much more than accommodation. It was where we found our people, our rhythm, and a real sense of belonging in the mountains of Bulgaria.
The people behind the space
The heart of The Avalon is its atmosphere, and much of that comes down to the people who run it. James, the owner, brings warmth and attention to detail, always balancing the needs of residents with his vision for what The Avalon can be. Dani, who supports the community and helps with admin, activities, and organization, makes sure everything runs smoothly and that residents feel looked after. Together, they create a space that feels intentional, cared for, and alive with possibility.
The Avalon's exterior and cozy touches of greenery inside by the windows
To give you an idea of the kind of person James is, on our weekend getaway to Melnik with the Avalon crew we were doing a long hike that had some tricky sections. At one point we found ourselves falling behind the group a little, navigating a path that felt more treacherous than we expected. James noticed right away and, without hesitation, came back to walk alongside us. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes—his kindness, his awareness, and his commitment to making sure everyone felt supported. That sort of presence is the kind of thing you don’t forget, and it’s a big part of what makes Avalon feel like a true home.
And then there are the dogs—Maya, Hope, and Fiona—three furry members of the Avalon family who contribute as much to the homely feeling as anyone else. Whether lounging in the courtyard or joining residents for walks, they remind you that Avalon isn’t just a place for people. It’s a home, full stop.
Cozy communal areas
The communal areas at The Avalon are designed for connection and comfort. Downstairs, the lounge is warm and inviting, with a fireplace that becomes the centerpiece on snowy winter days. There are couches for casual hangouts, long wooden tables perfect for coworking, and corners where you can tuck away with a book or laptop. The design encourages both focus and interaction, striking that balance coliving spaces strive for but don’t always achieve.
Communal lounge areas with cozy couches and plenty of plants creating a warm, inviting atmosphere
There’s also a downstairs wellness area, complete with a hot tub and sauna. After a day on the slopes or a long hike in the Pirin mountains, this space feels like a small luxury, a way to recharge before another day of activity. The Avalon doesn’t just provide a roof over your head—it actively helps you live well.
The kitchen
The Avalon also has a large, well-equipped kitchen that quickly becomes the heart of the house. It’s spacious enough for several people to cook at once, and many evenings turn into communal cooking sessions, with residents sharing recipes, chopping vegetables side by side, and sitting down together for family-style meals.
Food is often shared and enjoyed together
Whether you’re making something simple for yourself or joining a group dinner, the kitchen is one of the best parts of the Avalon experience.
Outdoor courtyard
In addition to the indoor lounge, The Avalon's outdoor courtyard is one of its highlights. With couches, tables, and plenty of plants, it feels like an extension of the living space. Residents use it for morning coffees, afternoon coworking, or casual evening conversations. On warm days, it becomes the heart of the community, a place where you’re just as likely to plan a group hike as you are to enjoy a quiet moment in the sun.
The outdoor courtyard, with cozy seating, plants, and bikes ready for adventures
The courtyard’s design makes it feel both open and intimate. It’s a space that welcomes gatherings but never feels crowded. For us, it was one of the places where Avalon’s charm came through most strongly.
Small scale, strong community
The Avalon isn’t huge—around a dozen rooms in total—but that’s part of its appeal. The smaller scale makes it easier to connect with other residents, and the friendships formed here feel deeper and more lasting than those in larger, more transient spaces.
A room on the top floor
Meals out, hikes, ski days, and shared projects all unfold naturally. The scale means you rarely feel anonymous. Instead, you’re part of a group where everyone knows each other, where dinners and excursions often include the whole house. For nomads who value meaningful connections, Avalon delivers that in spades.
A room with a view
One of the things that makes staying at The Avalon so memorable are the views from its upper floors. Many of the rooms on the higher levels come with balconies that open out toward the Pirin mountains, the rooftops of Bansko, and the rolling hills beyond. In winter, you wake to snow-dusted rooftops and mountain peaks glowing pink in the sunrise. In summer, sunsets pour golden light across the valley and the air feels alive with the sound of birds and the occasional bark from one of The Avalon's dogs.
Balcony views from top floor rooms
These views aren’t just pretty backdrops—they’re daily reminders of where you are and why people choose Bansko as a base. It’s one thing to go hiking or skiing and take in the mountains, but it’s another to have them framed by your own window each morning.
Balcony views from top floor rooms
Stepping out onto a balcony with a cup of tea or ending the day watching the light fade behind the peaks became rituals we cherished. They made The Avalon feel not just like a coliving space, but a place deeply connected to its landscape.
Curry nights: the best food in town
No description of The Avalon would be complete without mentioning curry night. James, having lived in India for several years, takes these evenings seriously. He imports high-quality spices and prepares a buffet-style feast that usually includes six or seven different dishes, about half of them vegan.
Vegan options at curry night
For us, these nights were some of the best food experiences in Bansko—flavorful, abundant, and shared with people who felt like family. Curry night isn’t just for Avalon residents, either. James usually posts about it in the broader nomad WhatsApp groups, and anyone can reserve a spot. This makes it not only a culinary highlight but also a social one, connecting Avalon residents with the wider Bansko community.
A community that feels like family
What sets The Avalon apart is its sense of intimacy and community. It’s not just about having a place to stay—it’s about belonging. You’ll find yourself cooking together, planning trips, joining in on spontaneous adventures, or simply sitting around the fireplace swapping stories. James and Dani foster a culture where everyone feels welcome, and where no one is left on the sidelines.
Maya and Hope lounging in the courtyard, and fresh communal bread baked by James
In a town where there are multiple coliving options, The Avalon is proof that smaller-scale spaces can foster stronger bonds. It’s where you don’t just meet fellow nomads—you get to really know them. And for many, those friendships extend far beyond the time spent in Bansko.
The perfect fit in Bansko’s coliving scene
Bansko is famous for its wide variety of coliving options, and many people say you can “choose your tribe” depending on where you stay. For us, Avalon was exactly the right fit. It’s smaller, cozier, and feels more like a home than a facility. It’s the kind of place where you can balance productivity and rest, privacy and community, fun and focus.
Having stayed at The Avalon, we wouldn’t choose anywhere else. For us, it was the perfect blend of everything we look for in coliving: a warm, intimate atmosphere, genuine community, and thoughtful design.
We think that the most important factor in the quality of a coliving space comes down to the very people it attracts, the people you meet there. At The Avalon, that mix of individuals—from remote workers on their first trip to seasoned nomads who’ve circled the globe—creates a community that feels vibrant, supportive, and unforgettable. The building, the views, the kitchen, the sauna, and the courtyard are all part of what makes The Avalon special, but it’s the conversations over shared meals, the impromptu hikes, the evenings by the fire, and the friendships that continue long after leaving Bansko that truly define the experience. More than just a place to stay, Tbe Avalon becomes a home, shaped not only by its thoughtful design and welcoming hosts but by the people who choose to gather there.
